When should a current patient’s record be reviewed?

• A. Before each treatment
• B. After each treatment
• C. At the end of the day
• D. Only at first visit

Answer: (A)

Reviewing the current patient record before each treatment ensures you’re working with up-to-date information about the patient’s health, medications, and skin condition. Health status and treatment plans can change between visits—new medications (especially those that affect healing or skin sensitivity), recent illnesses, infections, allergies, or changes in skin condition can all influence whether a treatment is safe or how it should be performed. By checking the record prior to each session, you can confirm any contraindications, adjust techniques or settings, plan for any needed precautions, and ensure the patient’s consent reflects their current situation. Skipping this step would risk applying a treatment that isn’t appropriate for that day, or missing changes that could affect safety or effectiveness. Reviewing only after treatment, at the end of the day, or solely at the first visit could leave you unaware of factors that have arisen since the last appointment.